Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Insights, Size, and Forecast By End Use (Telecommunication, Power Generation, Construction), By Material (Steel, Aluminum, Stainless Steel), By Application (Industrial, Commercial, Residential, Data Centers), By Type (Ladder Cable Tray, Perforated Cable Tray, Solid Bottom Cable Tray, Wire Basket Tray), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa), Key Companies, Competitive Analysis, Trends, and Projections for 2026-2035
Key Market Insights
Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market is projected to grow from USD 5.9 Billion in 2025 to USD 10.8 Billion by 2035, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 6.2% from 2026 through 2035. This robust growth is driven by the increasing demand for organized and secure cable management solutions across various sectors. Metal cable tray systems, encompassing ladder, perforated, solid bottom, wire mesh, and channel types, are vital infrastructure components used for supporting and protecting electrical cables in commercial, industrial, and residential settings. Key market drivers include the rapid expansion of data centers, growing industrial automation, and significant investments in infrastructure development globally, particularly in emerging economies. The rising adoption of renewable energy projects and smart building technologies further fuels market expansion, as these initiatives necessitate extensive and reliable cable routing. The inherent advantages of metal trays, such as high load-bearing capacity, durability, and electromagnetic interference shielding, make them a preferred choice over alternative materials in critical applications.
Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Value (USD Billion) Analysis, 2025-2035
2025 - 2035
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Important market trends include the increasing focus on fire safety compliance and the demand for lightweight yet robust cable management solutions. Manufacturers are innovating to offer modular and pre-fabricated tray systems that reduce installation time and labor costs. The market is also witnessing a shift towards customized solutions tailored to specific project requirements, enhancing operational efficiency and aesthetics. However, the market faces restraints such as volatile raw material prices, particularly for steel and aluminum, which can impact manufacturing costs and product pricing. Intense competition from alternative cable management solutions, including conduits and trunking systems, also poses a challenge. Despite these hurdles, significant opportunities lie in the retrofitting of aging infrastructure, the burgeoning telecommunications sector's need for enhanced connectivity, and the development of intelligent cable tray systems integrated with monitoring capabilities.
The Asia Pacific region currently dominates the global market and is also projected to be the fastest-growing region during the forecast period. This dominance is attributed to rapid urbanization, extensive infrastructure development projects, and a thriving manufacturing sector across countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations. The region’s aggressive push towards industrialization and the establishment of new commercial and residential complexes are primary contributors to the high demand for metal cable tray systems. The industrial segment stands as the leading application area, reflecting the substantial requirement for robust cable management in factories, power plants, and processing units. Key players such as Hoffman, Auburn Manufacturing, Legrand, Atkore International, Schneider Electric, Eaton, and Midwest Electric are strategically focusing on geographical expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their market positions and cater to the evolving demands of diverse end-use sectors including IT & Telecommunication, Energy & Utility, and Commercial & Residential.
Quick Stats
Market Size (2025):
USD 5.9 BillionProjected Market Size (2035):
USD 10.8 BillionLeading Segment:
Industrial (45.2% Share)Dominant Region (2025):
Asia Pacific (41.2% Share)CAGR (2026-2035):
6.2%
What is Metal Cable Tray Systems?
Metal Cable Tray Systems are structural elements designed to support and organize electrical cables. They provide a robust raceway for power and data wiring, protecting them from damage while allowing for easy installation, upgrades, and maintenance. These trays manage cable routing efficiently, preventing tangles and ensuring proper airflow for cooling. Their significance lies in providing a neat, safe, and scalable solution for cable management in various environments, from industrial plants and commercial buildings to data centers, contributing to overall electrical system integrity and accessibility.
What are the Trends in Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market
Smart Tray Systems IoT Integration
Sustainable Materials Circular Economy Focus
Modular and Customizable Designs
AI Powered Predictive Maintenance
Robotics Automation in Installation
Smart Tray Systems IoT Integration
Smart Tray Systems IoT integration represents a significant advancement in metal cable tray technology. This trend involves embedding sensors and connectivity directly into cable trays, transforming them from passive supports into active, intelligent infrastructure components. These smart trays continuously monitor critical parameters like temperature, humidity, and cable load within data centers, industrial plants, and commercial buildings.
Through IoT integration, the collected data is wirelessly transmitted to centralized management systems or cloud platforms. This allows for real time visibility into the physical health of cabling infrastructure. Operators can remotely detect overheating cables, identify potential fire hazards, and anticipate maintenance needs before failures occur. Predictive maintenance capabilities are enhanced, reducing downtime and operational costs. Furthermore, smart trays can optimize airflow management and power usage by providing granular environmental data, contributing to energy efficiency. This trend improves safety, reliability, and operational efficiency within facilities utilizing metal cable tray systems.
Sustainable Materials Circular Economy Focus
The global metal cable tray market is witnessing a significant shift towards sustainable materials and circular economy principles. Manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing materials with lower environmental footprints throughout their lifecycle. This involves exploring recycled content, such as post consumer or industrial scrap metals, to reduce reliance on virgin resources and minimize waste. The emphasis extends to designing products for enhanced recyclability at their end of life. This means considering how trays can be easily dismantled and reprocessed into new products, closing the material loop. This circular approach not only addresses environmental concerns but also offers potential cost efficiencies and strengthens supply chain resilience by reducing dependence on finite raw materials and promoting resource efficiency within the industry.
What are the Key Drivers Shaping the Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market
Surging Infrastructure Development & Urbanization
Growing Demand for Data Centers & Cloud Infrastructure
Stringent Safety Regulations & Building Codes
Expansion of Renewable Energy Projects & Industrial Sectors
Technological Advancements in Cable Management Systems
Surging Infrastructure Development & Urbanization
Rapid infrastructure development and urbanization are primary accelerators for the global metal cable tray systems market. As cities expand and modernise, there is a substantial increase in demand for organized and protected electrical cabling. New residential complexes, commercial buildings, data centers, transportation networks like subways and airports, and industrial facilities all require extensive electrical infrastructure. Metal cable trays provide the essential support and management systems for these complex power and data networks within these burgeoning urban environments and critical infrastructure projects. This continuous construction boom fuels the need for robust, efficient, and scalable cable management solutions, directly boosting the adoption of metal cable trays across diverse applications globally.
Growing Demand for Data Centers & Cloud Infrastructure
The escalating global appetite for digital services, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence fuels a significant expansion in data center and cloud infrastructure development. These facilities, ranging from hyperscale data centers to local edge computing nodes, require extensive networks of power and data cables to operate efficiently and reliably. Metal cable tray systems are indispensable for managing and supporting these vast quantities of cables. They provide structured pathways, protection from physical damage, and facilitate efficient cooling and maintenance. As businesses and individuals increasingly rely on digital platforms and data intensive applications, the continuous build out and upgrade of this critical infrastructure directly drives the demand for robust and adaptable metal cable tray solutions across various industry verticals.
Stringent Safety Regulations & Building Codes
Stringent safety regulations and building codes are a paramount driver in the global metal cable tray systems market. These mandates, often set by governmental bodies and industry organizations, dictate the proper installation and safeguarding of electrical wiring within commercial, industrial, and residential structures. Compliance is not optional but a legal necessity for new constructions and renovations alike.
These codes frequently specify the need for robust, fire-resistant, and electromagnetically compatible cable management solutions to prevent hazards such as electrical fires, shocks, and signal interference. Metal cable trays, known for their durability, load bearing capacity, and ability to protect cables from external damage, inherently meet many of these stringent requirements. As regulations evolve and become more comprehensive globally, the demand for certified, high quality metal cable tray systems intensifies, propelling market growth.
Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Restraints
Stringent Regulatory Standards and Certification Requirements
Stringent regulatory standards and certification requirements pose a significant restraint in the global metal cable tray systems market. These regulations, often varying by region and country, dictate material composition, manufacturing processes, load bearing capacities, fire safety, and electrical conductivity. Manufacturers must invest heavily in research, development, and testing to ensure compliance with these complex and evolving specifications. Gaining multiple certifications for diverse markets is a time consuming and expensive endeavor, adding to production costs and extending product development cycles. This stringent oversight can create barriers to entry for new players and complicate market expansion for existing ones, as non compliance can lead to product recalls, legal penalties, and reputational damage. Adherence necessitates continuous monitoring and adaptation, limiting innovation and increasing operational complexities.
Intense Price Competition and Commoditization
The global metal cable tray systems market faces significant pressure from intense price competition. Numerous manufacturers vying for market share often resort to aggressive pricing strategies to secure contracts. This competition is further exacerbated by the commoditization of many standard cable tray products. Buyers perceive these products as largely interchangeable, with minimal differentiation between brands. Consequently, purchasing decisions frequently hinge on the lowest price rather than unique features or brand loyalty. This dynamic erodes profit margins for manufacturers, making it challenging to invest in research and development, innovate, or maintain sustainable business growth within the sector. The market becomes a race to the bottom on price, limiting overall value creation.
Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Opportunities
Global Industrial Electrification & Data Center Expansion
Global industrial electrification is fueling a massive need for resilient cable management. As industries worldwide modernize and automate, an extensive infrastructure of power and control cables becomes essential for new and upgraded facilities. Metal cable tray systems are indispensable for safely routing, supporting, and protecting these vital electrical pathways, ensuring operational efficiency and safety in industrial settings.
Concurrently, the relentless expansion of data centers globally, driven by cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the internet of things, creates immense demand for sophisticated cable organization. Data centers house a multitude of power, network, and fiber optic cables that require meticulous support and management. Metal cable trays provide high capacity, durable solutions essential for managing these intricate networks, ensuring optimal performance and reliability within these critical digital hubs. The collective growth in industrial electrification and data center expansion represents a significant and sustained opportunity for the global metal cable tray systems market.
Renewable Energy & Smart City Infrastructure Development
The global shift towards renewable energy and smart city infrastructure development creates a substantial opportunity for metal cable tray systems. Extensive solar farms, wind power plants, and large scale battery storage facilities require robust cable management to transmit power efficiently and safely. These complex energy infrastructures involve vast cabling needing protection and organization. Concurrently, the worldwide expansion of smart city infrastructure generates substantial demand. This encompasses advanced communication networks, state of the art data centers, intelligent transportation systems, sophisticated smart grids, and widespread electric vehicle charging stations. All these critical urban components are underpinned by intricate electrical and data cabling. Metal cable trays offer essential durability, fire resistance, and long term protection for these vital networks. As global investments accelerate into green energy technologies and comprehensive urban digitalization, the imperative for high quality metal cable tray systems to support these sprawling, interconnected infrastructures will intensify. This creates a prime growth avenue for manufacturers providing reliable and innovative cable management solutions.
Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Segmentation Analysis
Key Market Segments
By Application
- •Industrial
- •Commercial
- •Residential
- •Data Centers
By Type
- •Ladder Cable Tray
- •Perforated Cable Tray
- •Solid Bottom Cable Tray
- •Wire Basket Tray
By Material
- •Steel
- •Aluminum
- •Stainless Steel
By End Use
- •Telecommunication
- •Power Generation
- •Construction
Segment Share By Application
Share, By Application, 2025 (%)
- Industrial
- Commercial
- Data Centers
- Residential
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Why is the Industrial application segment the leading category in the Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market?
The Industrial application segment holds the largest share due to its extensive infrastructure requirements for manufacturing plants, power generation facilities, and petrochemical complexes. These environments demand robust, high capacity cable management solutions capable of supporting heavy cable loads, enduring harsh conditions, and ensuring uninterrupted operations. The need for precise organization and protection of critical power and data cabling across vast spaces drives consistent demand for metal cable trays in this sector, making it the primary revenue generator.
How do material types influence purchasing decisions within the Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market?
Material type significantly impacts market choices, with Steel, Aluminum, and Stainless Steel each serving distinct needs. Steel trays are favored for their strength and cost effectiveness in general industrial and commercial settings. Aluminum trays offer a lightweight, corrosion resistant option, ideal for outdoor installations or weight sensitive structures. Stainless Steel, while more expensive, is indispensable in highly corrosive environments like food processing or marine applications, ensuring longevity and compliance with strict hygiene standards.
What distinct roles do various cable tray types play in meeting diverse market demands?
Each cable tray type addresses specific functional requirements. Ladder cable trays are excellent for heavy power cables and ventilation. Perforated cable trays provide good ventilation and support for a mix of power and data cables, with provisions for cable ties. Solid bottom trays are chosen for maximum cable protection against dust and debris, particularly for sensitive instrumentation cables. Wire basket trays offer flexibility, easy cable access, and excellent ventilation, commonly used in data centers and commercial office spaces for lighter cable loads.
What Regulatory and Policy Factors Shape the Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market
The global metal cable tray systems market operates within a rigorous regulatory landscape emphasizing safety, performance, and environmental responsibility. International Electrotechnical Commission IEC standards provide foundational guidelines, while regional directives significantly influence product development and market access. Europe mandates CE marking and adherence to Restriction of Hazardous Substances RoHS directives, dictating material composition and manufacturing processes to ensure environmental compliance and user safety. North America primarily follows National Electrical Code NEC guidelines and Underwriters Laboratories UL certifications, critical for fire resistance, load bearing capabilities, and overall electrical integrity. Other key regulations address material sourcing, anti corrosion treatments, and installation practices. Emerging policies increasingly focus on product recyclability, sustainable manufacturing, and energy efficiency, pushing manufacturers towards greener solutions. Compliance with these diverse national and international standards is paramount for market penetration and maintaining competitive advantage, requiring continuous adaptation to evolving technical specifications and environmental mandates across different geographies. This fragmented but stringent regulatory environment drives innovation and ensures high quality standards.
What New Technologies are Shaping Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market?
Innovations are significantly reshaping the global metal cable tray systems market. Emerging technologies focus on enhancing system intelligence, efficiency, and sustainability. Smart cable trays incorporating IoT sensors for real time load monitoring, temperature tracking, and environmental data collection are becoming prominent. These enable predictive maintenance, optimize energy consumption, and integrate seamlessly with building management systems. Advanced manufacturing techniques, including automation and artificial intelligence, facilitate the production of highly customized and modular designs, drastically reducing installation times and labor costs onsite. Material science advancements introduce lighter, stronger, and highly corrosion resistant alloys, extending product lifespan and suitability for diverse harsh environments. Furthermore, a strong emphasis on sustainability drives the adoption of recycled content and energy efficient production processes, aligning with green building initiatives. These technological leaps are crucial for accommodating the increasing demands for robust and intelligent infrastructure solutions.
Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Regional Analysis
Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market
Trends, by Region
Asia-Pacific Market
Revenue Share, 2025
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Dominant Region
Asia Pacific · 41.2% share
Asia Pacific stands as the dominant region in the global metal cable tray systems market, commanding a substantial 41.2% market share. This significant lead is propelled by rapid industrialization and urbanization across major economies within the region. Extensive infrastructure development projects, particularly in countries like China, India, and Southeast Asian nations, are fueling a robust demand for efficient and reliable cable management solutions. The burgeoning manufacturing sector, coupled with expanding commercial and residential construction, further contributes to the region's market supremacy. Government initiatives promoting smart cities and renewable energy projects also bolster the adoption of metal cable tray systems, solidifying Asia Pacific's unparalleled position in the global market.
Fastest Growing Region
Asia Pacific · 7.9% CAGR
Asia Pacific is poised to be the fastest growing region in the global metal cable tray systems market, exhibiting a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate of 7.9% during the forecast period of 2026-2035. This accelerated growth is primarily fueled by rapid industrialization and urbanization across major economies within the region. Significant infrastructure development projects, particularly in the energy, telecommunications, and construction sectors, are driving substantial demand for efficient cable management solutions. The expanding manufacturing base and increasing investments in smart city initiatives further contribute to the region's prominent growth trajectory. Moreover, rising awareness regarding safety standards and the adoption of advanced cabling systems are propelling market expansion in Asia Pacific.
Top Countries Overview
The U.S. metal cable tray systems market is a significant segment within the global landscape, characterized by robust demand from infrastructure development, commercial construction, and industrial expansion. While domestic manufacturers hold a strong position, the market experiences competition from international players. Growth is driven by data center construction, renewable energy projects, and ongoing modernization of existing facilities, emphasizing compliance with safety standards and efficient cable management solutions.
China dominates the global metal cable tray market, being both the largest producer and consumer. Its vast manufacturing capabilities, driven by low labor costs and advanced technology, allow it to serve domestic infrastructure projects and export significantly worldwide. Chinese companies are key players, influencing pricing and product innovation. This strong position supports its continued growth and market influence.
India is a growing market for metal cable trays, driven by infrastructure development and industrial expansion. Domestic manufacturers cater to rising demand, with some players also exporting. The market is competitive, with a mix of organized and unorganized players. Technological advancements and demand for customizable solutions are shaping the Indian landscape, contributing significantly to the global market share through production and consumption.
Impact of Geopolitical and Macroeconomic Factors
Geopolitical shifts, particularly trade tensions and resource nationalism, directly impact the global metal cable tray market. Supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by geopolitical maneuvering in key metal producing regions like China and Latin America, drive up raw material costs for steel and aluminum. Infrastructure development in emerging economies, often linked to Belt and Road initiatives, provides significant demand, yet political instability in these regions poses execution risks and potential project cancellations. Regulatory changes concerning carbon emissions and environmental standards in developed nations also influence production costs and market access.
Macroeconomic factors dictate project viability and investment. Global economic slowdowns or recessions reduce capital expenditure on commercial and industrial infrastructure, leading to deferred or cancelled projects. Interest rate fluctuations influence borrowing costs for construction firms, impacting project profitability and the ability to invest in new installations. Inflationary pressures on manufacturing and shipping further erode margins. Currency exchange rate volatility, especially for international transactions, creates uncertainty in pricing and profitability for manufacturers and distributors alike.
Recent Developments
- March 2025
Legrand launched a new series of pre-fabricated cable tray modules designed for rapid data center deployment. This strategic product initiative aims to significantly reduce installation time and labor costs for large-scale infrastructure projects.
- February 2025
Atkore International acquired a prominent regional manufacturer specializing in high-performance aluminum cable tray systems. This acquisition strengthens Atkore's market share in lightweight and corrosion-resistant solutions, particularly for industrial and marine applications.
- January 2025
Eaton announced a strategic partnership with a leading IoT sensor technology company to integrate smart monitoring capabilities into their cable tray systems. This collaboration will offer real-time temperature, load, and vibration data, enhancing predictive maintenance and operational efficiency.
- November 2024
Hoffman introduced a new line of fire-rated cable trays specifically engineered to meet stringent safety standards in commercial and public buildings. This product launch addresses increasing demand for enhanced fire protection in critical infrastructure installations.
- October 2024
Schneider Electric initiated a global program to promote the use of recycled steel and sustainable manufacturing practices across its cable tray production. This strategic initiative underscores their commitment to environmental responsibility and caters to growing demand for eco-friendly building materials.
Key Players Analysis
The Global Metal Cable Tray Systems market is spearheaded by key players like Hoffman and Atkore International, specializing in diverse tray designs and material strengths. Legrand and Schneider Electric, along with Eaton, leverage their extensive electrical infrastructure expertise to offer integrated cable management solutions, often incorporating advanced powder coating and corrosion resistant alloys. Auburn Manufacturing and M.K. Metal focus on custom fabrication and local distribution, while Omni Cable and Midwest Electric emphasize supply chain efficiency. Strategic initiatives include expanding product portfolios for data centers and renewable energy projects, driven by increasing infrastructure development and the growing demand for organized, protected cabling systems.
List of Key Companies:
- Hoffman
- Auburn Manufacturing
- M.K. Metal
- Legrand
- Omni Cable
- Atkore International
- Schneider Electric
- Eaton
- Schnieder Electric
- Midwest Electric
- Vanderbilt Industries
- Cooper BLine
- Wiremold
- Duke Energy
- Universal Electric
- PBT
Report Scope and Segmentation
| Report Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Size (2025) | USD 5.9 Billion |
| Forecast Value (2035) | USD 10.8 Billion |
| CAGR (2026-2035) | 6.2% |
| Base Year | 2025 |
| Historical Period | 2020-2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2035 |
| Segments Covered |
|
| Regional Analysis |
|
Table of Contents:
List of Figures
List of Tables
Table 1: Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 2: Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 3: Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Material, 2020-2035
Table 4: Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 5: Global Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Region, 2020-2035
Table 6: North America Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 7: North America Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 8: North America Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Material, 2020-2035
Table 9: North America Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 10: North America Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country, 2020-2035
Table 11: Europe Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 12: Europe Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 13: Europe Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Material, 2020-2035
Table 14: Europe Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 15: Europe Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 16: Asia Pacific Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 17: Asia Pacific Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 18: Asia Pacific Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Material, 2020-2035
Table 19: Asia Pacific Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 20: Asia Pacific Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 21: Latin America Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 22: Latin America Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 23: Latin America Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Material, 2020-2035
Table 24: Latin America Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 25: Latin America Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035
Table 26: Middle East & Africa Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Application, 2020-2035
Table 27: Middle East & Africa Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Type, 2020-2035
Table 28: Middle East & Africa Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Material, 2020-2035
Table 29: Middle East & Africa Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by End Use, 2020-2035
Table 30: Middle East & Africa Metal Cable Tray Systems Market Revenue (USD billion) Forecast, by Country/ Sub-region, 2020-2035